"Your camera takes great photos...How to piss off a photographer...

Steven Cooke
Jan 26
4 min read

Photography is an art form that combines technical skill, creativity, and a unique perspective. When you admire a photographer’s work, your words can either encourage and inspire or unintentionally frustrate them. Many people want to compliment photographers but sometimes say things that can come across as dismissive or uninformed. Understanding what not to say helps you show genuine appreciation and respect for the craft.

This post explores common phrases and comments to avoid when praising a photographer’s work. It also explains why these remarks can be problematic and offers better ways to express your admiration. Whether you’re talking to a professional photographer or a passionate hobbyist, these insights will help you communicate more thoughtfully.

Avoid Comparing Photography to Simple Snapshots

One of the most common mistakes is to downplay photography by comparing it to casual snapshots or smartphone pictures. Comments like:

“Your camera takes great photos.”
“Anyone can take pictures like this with a good phone.”
“It’s just a photo, how hard can it be?”

These remarks ignore the skill and thought behind professional photography. A camera is just a tool; the photographer’s vision, timing, and editing make the difference. Saying “Your camera takes great photos” shifts credit from the artist to the equipment, which can feel dismissive.

Better approach:

Focus on what you see in the photo. For example, say “I love how you captured the light in this shot” or “The composition really draws me in.” This shows you appreciate the photographer’s choices, not just the device used.

Don’t Question the Photographer’s Choices Without Understanding

Photography involves many creative decisions: framing, lighting, focus, color, and subject matter. Comments like:

“Why didn’t you use flash?”
“Why is this picture blurry?”
“Why did you choose that angle?”

can come off as criticism if you don’t know the photographer’s intent. Sometimes blur or unusual angles are deliberate artistic choices. Questioning these without context can make the photographer feel misunderstood.

Better approach:

If you’re curious, ask open-ended questions that invite explanation. For example, “What inspired you to shoot from this angle?” or “Can you tell me about the lighting here?” This shows interest and respect for their creative process.

Avoid Overused or Vague Compliments

Phrases like “Nice shot,” “Cool picture,” or “Great job” are polite but don’t convey much meaning. Photographers often hear these comments and feel they don’t truly capture the effort behind the image.

Better approach:

Be specific about what you like. Mention colors, mood, story, or technique. For example:

“The way you captured the sunset’s colors is stunning.”
“This photo tells a powerful story.”
“I admire how you used shadows to create depth.”

Specific compliments show you’ve really looked at the work and appreciate its details.

Don’t Assume Photography Is Easy or Instant

Many people don’t realize how much time and effort goes into a single photograph. They might say:

“It must be easy to take pictures like this.”
“You just press a button, right?”
“How long did it take to get this shot?”

These comments can minimize the photographer’s skill and patience. Great photos often require planning, waiting for the right moment, and post-processing.

Better approach:

Acknowledge the effort involved. You could say, “I can tell you put a lot of work into this” or “The timing and patience really paid off here.” This shows you respect the craft.

Avoid Comments That Focus Only on Equipment

While gear matters, focusing too much on cameras and lenses can miss the point. Saying things like:

“You must have an expensive camera.”
“This looks like it was taken with a professional lens.”
“I bet you spent a lot on your gear.”

can make the photographer feel judged by their equipment rather than their creativity. Many photographers create amazing images with modest gear.

Better approach:

If you want to talk about equipment, connect it to the photo’s qualities. For example, “The sharpness here is impressive, what lens did you use?” This shows curiosity without assumptions.

Don’t Compare a Photographer’s Work to Others Negatively

Avoid comments that compare a photographer’s work unfavorably to others, such as:

“This isn’t as good as [famous photographer].”
“I’ve seen better photos of this subject.”
“Your style is too similar to someone else’s.”

These remarks can be discouraging and ignore the unique voice each photographer brings. Photography is subjective, and every artist has their own approach.

Better approach:

Celebrate what makes the photo unique. Say things like “I like how your style feels fresh and personal” or “You bring a new perspective to this subject.” Positive reinforcement encourages creativity.

Don’t Make Assumptions About Editing

Post-processing is a big part of modern photography. Some people assume heavy editing means the photo isn’t “real” or “natural.” Comments like:

“Did you Photoshop this?”
“This looks too edited to be real.”
“I prefer unedited photos.”

can undervalue the skill involved in editing and the photographer’s artistic choices.

Better approach:

Respect the editing as part of the art. You might say, “The colors and tones here are beautiful, did you do much editing?” This opens a conversation without judgment.